While retailers are looking for ways to increase customer loyalty and engagement, some shoppers are looking for new ways to game the system. New data out from Mindshare indicates about one-quarter of Millennial shoppers will fake birthdays, 17% of the whole shopping demographic will do so. >>

Millennials are more willing to pay for rewards programs than other demographics. That is the takeaway from a new LoyaltyOne report which shows that while two-thirds of all consumers say they might pay for rewards about three-quarters of Millennials said they would pay if the rewards offered were relevant to them. >>

According to several studies, mobile devices are being used more than other devices to connect - people are engaging with social networks via mobile several times each day, they are texting, they are using mobile browsers to research products and comparison shop. Here's how to use mobile to build loyalty. >>

Moving ahead, look for more small businesses to push into mobile. That is the takeaway from BIA/Kelsey Group's 'Retail SMBs - Advertising & Marketing Trends' report which indicates that while the highest mobile penetration rates for SMBs are around 11%, those businesses are very satisfied with the return on their investment.
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There are many different kinds of shoppers but only one is changing the face of retail. That's the takeaway from new data out from Texas A&M, Retail TouchPoints and CashStar. These shoppers are loyal, informed and ready to tell their friends about brands.
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There is a gap between consumers signing up for loyalty programs and actually using those programs. According to one expert shoppers will change how they shop for the right program. Here's what to look for: >>

As many standalone loyalty programs change the requirements for earning rewards or achieving certain levels, consumers are looking for ways to maximize the utility and value of their rewards. One expert offers insight into what customers really want.
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Even in today's connected world, people are dealing with their emotional well-being alone. However, new research suggests that brands can join in the well-being journey by bringing together, motivating and supporting consumers and, in turn, gaining their loyalty. >>

Purchase behavior is one of the strongest targeting options available to merchants. The problem is that many are depending on surveys, which likely include how shoppers want to spend versus how they actually spend, to find the behavior. >>